Executive Financial Planning and High Income Transitions

A career change, promotion, or major income increase can be a powerful financial turning point.

It can also create complexity that most people do not anticipate.

Higher income often brings new questions around taxes, investing, equity compensation, and long term wealth strategy.

If you are asking questions like:

-What should I do financially after a promotion or major raise?
-How do I invest beyond my 401(k)?
-How do I plan for taxes with a higher income?
-What should I do with stock options or RSUs?
-How do I build wealth without overcomplicating everything?

At Apriem Advisors, we help professionals and executives create a clear financial plan during income transitions, so your new earning power supports your long term goals.

High Income Financial Planning Requires a Different Strategy

When income increases, the financial decisions become more strategic.

This is often the stage where people begin thinking seriously about:

  • long term investing beyond retirement accounts

  • tax planning and tax efficient investing

  • wealth building for future goals

  • balancing lifestyle upgrades with long term security

  • protecting wealth and planning for the unexpected

Without a plan, higher income can disappear quickly through taxes, lifestyle inflation, and missed opportunities.

Tax planning for high income families
tax planning for high income families

Tax Planning for High Income Households

Taxes are often the largest expense for high income professionals.

Tax planning during an income transition may include:

  • optimizing retirement contributions

  • evaluating Roth vs traditional strategies

  • planning around tax brackets and future income

  • tax efficient investing in taxable accounts

  • charitable giving strategies

  • coordinating with your CPA for proactive planning

Our goal is to help you keep more of what you earn and build wealth efficiently.

Investing Beyond Your 401(k) and Retirement Accounts

Many high earners max out their retirement accounts and still feel unsure about what comes next.

We help clients build a strategy for:

  • investing in taxable brokerage accounts

  • saving for major goals outside retirement

  • creating a long term investment plan that matches your timeline

  • balancing retirement investing with other priorities

  • building a portfolio that supports both growth and flexibility

This is one of the most important stages for long term wealth building.

investing beyond your 401(k)

Equity Compensation Planning and Concentrated Stock Risk

Many executives and high income professionals receive compensation through equity.

This can create major opportunities, but it can also create major risk.

We help clients plan for equity compensation such as:

  • restricted stock units

  • stock options

  • employee stock purchase plans

  • concentrated stock positions

Equity planning often includes:

  • tax planning for RSU income

  • planning for option exercises

  • diversification strategy for concentrated stock

  • timing decisions around selling shares

  • reducing the risk of overexposure to a single company

A thoughtful strategy helps protect your wealth while still honoring the value of equity compensation.

tax planning for high income families

Planning for Lifestyle Growth Without Losing Long Term Momentum

A major income increase often comes with lifestyle changes.

This is normal. The goal is not to avoid enjoying your success.

The goal is to make sure lifestyle upgrades do not quietly derail long term wealth building.

We help clients create a plan that balances:

  • spending and saving

  • investing and liquidity

  • short term goals and long term retirement planning

  • enjoying life today while protecting the future

Financial Planning for Work Optional and Early Retirement Goals

Many high income professionals want more than retirement at 65.

They want flexibility, independence, and the ability to make career decisions from a position of strength.

We help clients plan for goals such as:

  • early retirement planning

  • work optional planning

  • sabbaticals and career pivots

  • long term financial independence goals

  • building a plan that supports lifestyle flexibility

tax planning for high income families
financial planning support after the loss of a spouse

Estate Planning, Insurance, and Wealth Protection

As wealth grows, protecting it becomes more important.

This stage often includes reviewing:

  • life insurance and disability coverage

  • liability protection and umbrella insurance

  • estate planning coordination

  • beneficiary strategy and account titling

  • long term legacy planning

We help ensure your plan is not just growing wealth, but also protecting it.

Who We Work With

We work with professionals and executives who are:

  • experiencing a major promotion or income increase

  • navigating a career transition

  • earning high income and want a clearer plan

  • receiving equity compensation

  • building wealth beyond retirement accounts

  • planning for financial independence and flexibility

planning what to do after inheriting money
executive financial planning

How We Help Through Career and Income Transitions

Our work is designed to help you make smart decisions during moments when your financial life is changing quickly.

This often includes:

  • high income financial planning

  • tax strategy coordination

  • investment management and portfolio design

  • equity compensation planning

  • planning for major goals and long term wealth

  • ongoing wealth management through future transitions

Ready to Build a Clear Plan for Your Next Chapter?

If you are experiencing a career transition, income growth, or equity compensation complexity, we would be honored to help you build a thoughtful plan.